Program Manager (Japanese-fluent)

GP Strategies•Troy, MI

10d•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a Program Manager for a role that is a hybrid role - both strategic and operational -to support our client, Microsoft. This resource will be responsible for end-to-end skilling strategy, program execution, stakeholder management, and Japan-specific localization across Microsoft's strategic Global Partners. This role spans global skilling leadership, program and event management, Japan market liaison, and cross-time-zone execution, supporting multi-year Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) with aggressive certification and readiness targets. The role operates without dedicated administrative or PM support for key areas and serves as the primary point of contact for a wide range of Microsoft internal teams, partner stakeholders and Japan-based suppliers.

Requirements

Global skilling strategy & complex stakeholder management
Large‑scale, multi–time‑zone program & event management
Japan market expertise and cultural fluency
Budget ownership and financial oversight
Executive communication, presentation, and cross‑functional coordination
High‑volume prioritization, triage, and independent self‑management
Risk, dependency, and milestone management across regions
Partner engagement and relationship building with global & regional stakeholders
KPI tracking, data interpretation, and reporting proficiency (Excel, Power BI)
Operational excellence in complex, matrixed environments; strong ownership mindset

Responsibilities

Lead global skilling strategy for a major Japanese partner across Japan and ROW.
Advise partner and Microsoft leaders, aligning skilling plans to PBPs and SAA objectives.
Manage a complex multi‑entity partner structure with no single point of contact.
Deliver skilling plans, executive‑ready materials, and readiness updates.
Collaborate with PDMs/SPDMs to support designations, specializations, and readiness needs.
Maintain a structured ROB across Japan and ROW time zones.
Serve as the primary escalation point for skilling inquiries.
Partner with global and Japan‑based stakeholders, including Alliance leadership.
Support large, high‑visibility skilling motions and 5,000+ attendee events.
Oversee planning and execution of private, surge, and certification events globally.
Coordinate with DEPR/WWL delivery teams.
Manage certification voucher processes, tracking, and KPI reporting.
Manage partner‑specific skilling budgets and IO setup.
Track spend, forecast utilization, and report budget status.
Act as primary PoC for a major Japan‑based partner.
Execute large, multi‑week, multi‑time‑zone surge events.
Support SAA execution and maintain event trackers.
Serve as liaison between global and Japan‑based stakeholders for event requirements.
Provide feedback, approvals, and out‑of‑hours support aligned to Japan expectations.
Lead Japanese localization of a 70+ page skilling playbook.
Manage translation suppliers, SOWs, and POs.
Ensure quality and alignment with Microsoft standards.
Partner with EPS leadership to communicate course availability and develop materials.
Respond to PDM inquiries and act as an escalation resource.
Advise on localization priorities and Japan‑specific readiness needs.
Act as a subject‑matter advisor for Japanese localization across skilling content teams.